Pukpuks finish third a Oceania Junior titles

By Quintina Naime, Loop PNG

The PNG U20 Pukpuks have finished third at the Oceania Junior Rugby Trophy Championships in Suva, Fiji.

They defeated Vanuatu today by a huge margin, scoring 13 tries in a final scoreline of 80-7.

Pukpuks’ first try was scored by Zion Reto eight minutes into the game. Another try came eight minutes later through Lindsey Yabone which took PNG up to 10-0 followed by the third try, by winger William Tirang 19 minutes into the game.

U20s eye Fiji tourney

By Francis Rodney Pulu, The National 




TWENTY-six players will be making their debut in the Pukpuks Under-20 rugby squad that leave tomorrow for the Oceania Youth Trophy in Fiji from November 27 to December 5.




Only four countries are taking part in the inaugural event and a 30-man Pukpuks train-on squad are currently in training in Port Moresby before the team will be trimmed down to the final 26 after the players are put through their medical checks today.

Assistant coach Sydney Wesley said the players would use the championship to qualify for the World Junior Trophy in Portugal next year and the only two teams that the team had to overcome in order to qualify were the tier-two nations, Fiji and Tonga.

“It will be tough playing against Fiji and Tonga, who dropped from the first-tier based on their performance at the previous World Junior Championships,” Wesley said.

Mariners are out for Mud in top-of-the-table FNQ Rugby clash

By Michael Warren, Cairns Post

IT was the FNQ rugby heavyweight bout won on points by undefeated Northern Beaches Mud Crabs against JCU Mariners more than a month ago at Ivanhoes.

Tomorrow, it’s the much anticipated round 13 rematch with the competition frontrunners resuming their rivalry, with the hosts hellbent on avenging their round six 34-22 loss to the title favourites.

“Mud Crabs are still unbeaten this season, so obviously they continue to play good rugby,” JCU Mariners player Christian Aruha said.

“We know if we stick to what works for us, and take the game to them in the forwards, we’ll be competitive.

JCU destroy Port Douglas 52-14

By Michael Warren, Cairns Post

FOR the second time this season, JCU have exacted revenge on Port Douglas for last season’s grand final loss, with a 52-14 win on Saturday at Raider Park.

Their round-nine victory follows a 26-19 March 1 win against the same opposition and finally rids the Mariners of any lingering demons after losing last year’s decider.

“It was a great game. Credit to Port Douglas – they are struggling for numbers but they definitely put in a committed effort against us,” JCU coach Dave Norton said.

A legacy left at Port Douglas Reef Raiders

What a fantastic afternoon today was!

It started with a scenic drive from Cairns to beautiful Port Douglas, a tourist hotspot for the wealthy and retired. The primary reason for the trip though was to watch the A Grade rugby game between Port Reef Raiders and JCU Mariners at the Sports Complex. The match resulted in a 47-14 thumping of the host team by JCU boys - an terrific win!

Today was Ladies Day. The women spectators were greeted with delicious champagne, scrumptuous finger food and gift bags filled with fabulous goodies - all sponsored by QT Port Douglas Resort, a member of Australia's newest hotel brand, the QT Hotel chain.

Today was also bittersweet. It was heartwarming to hear from a handful of locals expressing empathy for the Cats sitting out this year's Port Douglas 7's tournament. But best of all was seeing the team's name etched into the history books at the club house. The fact that the Tabubil Cats have left a legacy in Port Douglas is truly awesome!

Photo by A. Aruha

OTML Schoolboys Results - 2015 Scots College Schoolboys 7s

Tour Number: 18
Date: March 28, 2015
Venue: The University of New South Wales Sports Field, Sydney, NSW

Shield Finalists

Team
Kingsley Laka (Captain), Lachlan Aruha, Frank Auakai, Hangu Tindipu, Newman Kaupa, Dharlton Undi, Amos Kain, Manuel Mitigei, Bradley Nagiria, Theodore Tindiki, Forest Koroka, Kelly Kesawe (Manager), Stephen Malum Jnr (Coach), John Tomba Jnr (Trainer), Anthony Aruha (President).

Dezine visits Abip

The Tabubil Cats Rugby Club hosted its fourth major fundraiser on Saturday 14 March to raise funds for its annual upcoming rugby tours  later in the year. 

Hosted at the Hotel Cloudlands, the event featured the Solomon Islands group - Dezine - and was supported by Wayne Tefatu and his band.

Valentines Day bash with Anslom and the Cats

The Tabubil Cats Rugby Club hosted its third fundraiser on Saturday 14 February that starred one of Papua New Guinea's leading entertainers, Anslom Nakikus.

Anslom was supported by Wayne Tefatu and band members Ian Andy, Molek Judas, Benson Kanini and Oscar Tarutia. Promoting his new album, Pee N Gee, Anslom featured the hit songs Can't Lie, One Inna Million, as well as classics Modilon, Tolabit, Nilpis SSM and Barike's Iau Ra Biavi.  Tabubil Cats supporters enjoyed another a memorable evening at the Hotel Cloudlands.

The band jetted into Tabubil on Wednesday after a three-hour flight from Tokua for a four-day tour in support of the Tabubil Cats. An interview at Radio Fly studio and a Mine Site visit were squeezed in between band rehearsals prior to the fundraiser.

Sharzy, Metere Crew perfom at Cloudlands

Solomon Islands singer - Sharzy - and Metere Crew performed at the Tabubil Cats Rugby Club's second fundraiser on Saturday 31 January at the Hotel Cloudlands.

Robby T and his band Metere Crew were well-received in Tabubil the previous fundraiser that Tabubil Rugby enlisted the group for a repeat performance, playing the supporting act to Sharzy.

"The fundraiser was the second of four major fundraisers that have been planned for the year. We are fortunate to have the support of local and international artists who help the club achieve its goals," said Anthony Aruha, president and coach.

Bilip, Metere Crew feature in Tabubil

The Tabubil Cats Rugby Club hosted a fundraiser on Saturday 17 January showcasing two of Papua New Guinea's newest singing sensations to kick start fundraising activities for the year.

Singers Daniel Bilip and the group, Metere Crew entertained Tabubil residents at the Hotel Cloudlands, with Bilip belting out hit songs such as Larim Mi, Promise, Tulait Tulait, and Meri Manus.  Robby T and his band Metere Crew treated patrons to current hits Mox Ambe, Oh Raramani, and Soie Uraona Aue.